How to look like Francoise Hardy for $88 or less

I may or may not be pregnant right this second. Rather than jinx it, I did what any good American girl would do and went shopping last night for as many size 4 dresses as I could muster up the courage to purchase. It worked! My mind was temporarily off of the baby/no-baby conundrum and onto Milly NY by Michelle Smith Collection, a label I can absolutely not justify purchasing pieces from at this point in my life (but in five years, you are mine, Milly).

Those of you who are familiar with Milly know that a cool 60s Piccadilly Circus vibe permeates throughout most of her collection. Not one to let expense crush my hopes and dreams, I am choosing one piece I love: her leg-lengthening vertical striped trousers– and offering knock-off options.

First, the inspiration:

Nicole Pant, $295

To be clear–this look is inspired by menswear, and not punk…these pants aren’t tight, they are splendidly fitted..And, to be fair, the true inspiration (in my opinion) behind these pants is the original cool French girl, Francoise Hardy–who, after Lauren Bacall, made menswear and bold vertical stripes sexy as hell: